Empathy Matters
Barack Obama once said that ‘learning to stand in somebody else’s shoes, to see through their eyes, that’s how peace begins. And it’s up to you to make that happen. Empathy is a quality of character that can change the world.’
This week and next, to coincide with Empathy Day on Thursday, our First , Second and Third Year students will be learning why this very human quality is so important to our community and society. In particular, the pupils will explore how reading fiction enhances our ability to ‘walk in someone else’s shoes’ and learn to appreciate drastically different experiences of the world. Respected academic research has shown that empathy is not simply an inherited characteristic, but is instead primarily a learned skill. Inhabiting and connecting with a fictional world through reading is a key way to develop empathy amongst young people. Pastoral tutors and the KES library staff will work alongside the First, Second and Third Year pupils in their PSHE sessions to help them to understand alternative values and views, to challenge their instinctive attitudes and to develop their empathic skills.
Because empathy matters, and as former President Obama so rightly asserts – ultimately empathy can change the world!
Neal Parker
@HeadKESSoton
Whole School Notices
Sixth Form House Athletics
Ahead of the half term, Upper Sixth students finished their time at KES with a House athletics event, alongside Lower Sixth students. The day was full of competitive races and fun activities. To view hundreds of fabulous images from the event, click here.
Student Lunch Arrangements Reminder
The deadline for changes to school lunch arrangements for the Autumn Term is 4pm Friday 25 June 2021. It will not be possible to meet requests that arrive after the deadline. Please email dinners@kes.hants.sch.uk giving pupil name, tutor group, and the change intended. Any request using the above email will have their request acknowledged. No action is required if arrangements are to continue as at present.
Sports Day
We are pleased to confirm that this year’s Sports Day will take place on Friday 25 June (weather dependent). Sports Day 2021 will take place between 1pm and 4pm to allow time for pupils to take the KETA buses at 4.10pm. There will be no late buses on this day.
Unfortunately due to the current Covid restrictions in place, we will not be able to invite parents to watch this event. We hope that we can welcome you all back next year.
Whole School Non-Uniform Day - 18th June
The Charities Commission have
chosen to donate the money from this month's non-uniform day to Breakout
Youth. This is a
Hampshire based charity which provides support for LGBTQ+ youth. They offer
one-to-one support and counselling for young people. Breakout Youth
also support the campaign against homophobia and transphobia in the local area
and beyond. Please can students bring along £1
to their group base on the day.
Uniform From Stevensons
Due to COVID restrictions, Stevensons will be unable to conduct their pop-up shop this summer. Anyone needing replacement items should use their website, or go to their shop in Bournemouth. They experienced high demand last August which they were unable to cope with – please, please order ahead this summer to ensure you have your items in September.
First Year Notices
OBNO
OBNO are short of stock and would be delighted if donations were left for them at the Main Office.
Second Year Notices
OBNO
OBNO are short of stock and would be delighted if donations were left for them at the Main Office.
Third Year Notices
OBNO
OBNO are short of stock and would be delighted if donations were left for them at the Main Office.
Fourth Year Notices
OBNO
OBNO are short of stock and would be delighted if donations were left for them at the Main Office.
Fifth Year Notices
Deadline for Returning School Textbooks
Please read this letter, regarding the return of school textbooks.
Activities Week Information
We are looking forward to seeing many of our Fifth and Upper Sixth pupils for Activities Week next week. We would strongly encourage all pupils taking part in the activities week to take a Lateral Flow Test on Sunday and mid week. These are available from local pharmacies free of charge. Details regarding kit, lunches and timings can be found here. The forecast looks lovely and rather warm. Please remember to bring plenty of water and sun cream.
If you no longer require your space on a particular activity please let Mrs Burrows know (peb@kes.hants.sch.uk).
OBNO are in desperate need of stock!
If you have items of uniform and sports kit that you no longer require, OBNO would be delighted if it could be dropped at the Main Office. Perhaps during Activities Week would be the ideal time? They pass on their huge thanks to anyone who is able to donate their Outgrown But Not Outworn clothing.
Lower Sixth Notices
No notices this week
Upper Sixth Notices
Activities Week Information
We are looking forward to seeing many of our Fifth and Upper Sixth pupils for Activities Week next week. We would strongly encourage all pupils taking part in the activities week to take a Lateral Flow Test on Sunday and mid week. These are available from local pharmacies free of charge. Details regarding kit, lunches and timings can be found here. The forecast looks lovely and rather warm. Please remember to bring plenty of water and sun cream.
If you no longer require your space on a particular activity please let Mrs Burrows know (peb@kes.hants.sch.uk).
OBNO are in desperate need of stock!
If you have items of uniform and sports kit that you no longer require, OBNO would be delighted if it could be dropped at the Main Office. Perhaps during Activities Week would be the ideal time? They pass on their huge thanks to anyone who is able to donate their Outgrown But Not Outworn clothing.
A Virtual Evening with the Heads of Stroud School and King Edward VI School
We are holding a virtual event for prospective parents, inviting them to join Mrs Smith, Headmistress of Stroud (the King Edward VI Preparatory School) and Mr Parker, Head of King Edward’s, for a virtual information evening.
The event will be streamed live from our Dobson Theatre, running from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on Tuesday 29th June. Throughout the evening, each Head will provide information on their respective school, explaining what makes each so special, an outline on school life and the 3-18 education experience.
Current families are welcome to join us, as it may be a helpful reminder of what our schools offer and a chance to hear from the Head. You can join with or without your camera, and there will also be an opportunity to ask Mrs Smith and Mr Parker any questions at the end of the session. Joining details are below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87865502172?pwd=dDlydE01RUdSeVJ6VVZjRXhwcUJaQT09
Meeting ID: 878 6550 2172
Passcode: KESinfo1
SATURDAY SPORT
12 June 2021 - Cricket Fixtures
Spectators at away venues will be determined by other schools' protocols and we will inform parents each week via this Bulletin of any schools that are not allowing spectators.
KES v Dauntsey's School
Boys U12B, U12A, U13B, U13A, U14B, U14A, U15B, U15A, 2nd XI and 1st XI
- SPECTATORS – Spectators will be allowed on site from May 17th in line with government regulations. Spectators will not be allowed in buildings unless it is to use the toilets upstairs in the pavilion (at which point masks should be worn). Parents are asked to socially distance around the perimeters of the pitches and not congregate in large groups. Tea/coffee will be served on the balcony of the pavilion.
- COLLECTION OF PUPILS FROM DAUNTSEY’S – Pupils from visiting schools (if going to direct to Dauntsey's) should be dropped off and collected from the Pavilion Car Park.
KES v St Swithun's School
Girls U12B, U12A, U13B, U13A, U14B, U14A, U15A
Spectators are permitted. Please observe correct social distancing.
Internal Matches
Boys U12C and U13C
Click here to view timings, locations and schedule for Saturday Sport. In addition, the up-to-date training schedule can be found on Summer Term 2021 Sports Team Training Schedule.
KEY DATES
Monday 14 June - Activity Week (Fifth Year and Upper Sixth)
Friday 18 June - Non-uniform day